Casinos Atlantic City Weekly

Casino Club & Lounge Entertainment

By Lori Hoffman — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 06:45:36 PST

DJ, live bands and special events at casino lounges and clubs

Entertainment from Wednesday, Jan. 21 to Tuesday, Jan. 27

BALLY’S

Mountain Bar

Goodman Fiske Thurs. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

DJ Mass Fri. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

JJ Rupp Band Fri. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

DJ Aiden Scott Sat. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Power-I Sat. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

BORGATA

Gypsy Bar

Crazy in Stereo Wed. 9 p.m.

Sidearm Thurs. 10 p.m.

Modern Bliss Fri. 7 p.m.

The Rockets Fri. 11 p.m.

Hold On Tight Sat. 7 p.m.

Steal the Sky Sat. 11 p.m.

Liquid A Sun. 8:30 p.m.

Benderz Duo Wed. 9 p.m.

MIXX

DJ Politik, Jason Smith Sat. 10 p.m.

Social Sundays w/DJ Ikon, DJWellman Sun. 11 p.m.

Mur.Mur

Fred Matters, DJ Renzo Fri. 11 p.m.

Prostyle, Doug Grayson Sat. 10 p.m.

A-Trak, PS1 Mon. 11 p.m.

CAESARS

Dusk

Savage Men Revue Fri., Sat. 8 p.m.

DJ SoDope, DJ Lisi Fri. 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

DJ Fresh One Sat. 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

DJ Sat-One Tues. 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Retro's at Dusk

Video DJ Sojo Sat. 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Toga Bar

DJ Jay Ski Fri. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Toga Dancers Fri.-Sat. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

DJ Patrice McBride Sat. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m

GOLDEN NUGGET

Haven Nightclub

DJ Gusto Thurs. 11 p.m.

Tony Junior Fri. 11 p.m.

Omarion Sat. 10 p.m.

Live Bar

Jerry Blavat Thurs. 4 p.m.

Rush Lounge

Goodman Fiske Duo Wed. 8 p.m.

Dane Anthony Thurs. 8 p.m.

Bobby & Kit Fri. 6 p.m.

Generation Next Fri. 10 p.m.

Eleven Eleven Duo Sat. 6 p.m.

Big City Sat. 10 p.m.

DJ Divine Sat. 2 a.m.

NFL Pro Bowl Sun. 8 p.m.

Lisa Bouchelle Mon. 8 p.m.

Patty & Bugzy Tues. 8 p.m.

Goodman Fiske Duo Wed. 8 p.m.

HARRAH'S RESORT

Eden Lounge

Generation Next Thurs. 9 p.m. to midnight

Funktion 11 Fri. 9:15 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.

DJ Lou Di Marco Fri. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dane Anthony Band Sat. 9:15 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.

DJ Dino Sat. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Big House Band Sun. 9 p.m. to midnight

The Pool After Dark

Wet ‘N Wild Wedesday w/DJ Eddie Edge, Mike Pagz Wed. 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Vito G, Ed Smooth Fri. 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Eddie Edge, Jae T Sat. 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Wet ‘N Wild Wedesday w/DJ Encore Wed. 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

X-Bar

Gabor Kiss Fri. 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Jason E. Fri. 1:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Ed Smooth Sat. 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Pfef Sat. 1:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.

RESORTS

Landshark Bar and Grill

Name That Song Game Night Fri. 8 p.m.

Singing Competition Sat. 8 p.m.

Margaritaville

Cultureal Fri. 7 p.m.

Barele Rarely Sat. 8 p.m.

TROPICANA

Anthem

Free Cover Thursday

DJ N9NE Fri. 10 p.m.

All Night Party Sat 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Beat the Clockw/Sat. One, N9NE, B Lee Sun. 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Boogie Nights

AC Weekly Nightlife Awards Thurs. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Disco Dance Party Fri. 9 p.m.

I Think I Love You Party Sat. 9 p.m.

Providence

SINdustry w/DJ Klutch Thurs. 10 p.m.

Rob-Lo, DJ June Fri. 10 p.m.

Rick Wonder, DJ June, Sat. 11 p.m.

Tango’s

Johnny & Sherena Wed. 8 p.m. to midnight

Loop 4 Thurs. 8 p.m.-midnight

Tritide Band Fri. 7 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.

DJ Ralph D’Amelio Fri., Sat. 11 p.m. to 2:40 a.m.

Ann Michel Sat. 3 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.

Slamm 4 Sat. 7 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.

DJ Sammy Sun. 10 p.m. to 2:40 a.m.

Beth Tinnon Mon. 8 p.m. to midnight

Darin MacDonald Tues. 8 p.m. to midnight

DC Duo Wed. 8 p.m. to midnight

TRUMP TAJ MAHAL

Scores Red Velvet Theater

Real Men of Scores Sat. 10 p.m.

See More South Jersey Nightlife Options

See the AC Weekly Local Music Guide

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter

Borgata Winter Poker Open Jan 13-30

By Lori Hoffman — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 09:20:52 PST

Event running in conjunction with online Garden State Super Series

Taking place alongside the annual, highly successful Borgata Winter Poker Open BorgataPoker.com and nj.partypoker.com, presents the second running of one of the state’s largest tournaments, the Garden State Super Series (GSSS) which began January 11.

The action of the market-leading $1 million plus guaranteed online tournament series runs until Sunday, January 25, and takes place alongside the on site Borgata Winter Poker Open tournament series which began today (Jan. 13) and runs through Jan. 30 at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, highlighted by the televised WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship event. Together with the land-based event guarantees, the combined prize pool is over $7.7 million.

The online GSSS II consists of 23 varied events at three different buy-in levels (69 in total) across a range of tournament formats. The series opened on Sunday, January 11. Players can try their hand at $2,500 guaranteed for a $10 entry, $15,000 guaranteed for a $20 buy-in or $200 to get into the $75,000 NLH 6 Max at 5pm ET.

Qualifiers for customers to win entry into the online events for a fraction of the cost continue to run every day with buy-ins starting from just $0.25. In addition, bounty and re-buy NLH tournaments are spread generously throughout the diverse schedule. Also featured are Deepstack, PLO, 7 Card Stud and Fixed Limit tournaments with three low, mid and high level buy-in options providing incredible accessibility.

The second installment of the series offers steeper payout structures for all tournaments. This was the result of feedback from the New Jersey poker community and, in particular, players who took part in the last GSSS, with the new payout structures meaning bigger prizes for those that cash and higher payouts for first place. Other changes introduced into the new schedule include:

•    More events - 69 from 60.

•    New Speed Down format for event #21. The tournament structure slows as it progresses.

•    Main Event is now on the final day of the series rather than halfway through.

•    Introduction of NLH Heads-Up events #15 to the schedule for the first time.

•    Introduction of Super Bounty event #16 - 50% of prize pool goes on bounties and 50% to the prize pool.

By aligning the GSSS II with Borgata’s land-based Winter Poker Open tournament series and the televised WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship event, players from around the world can take part in what will be the largest online poker tournament series ever held in New Jersey.

On January 25, the televised $3 million guaranteed WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship presented by partypoker kicks off at Borgata. The $3,500 buy-in tournament features two starting flights, and players can still qualify online at BorgataPoker.com and nj.partypoker.com in New Jersey.

There are several preliminary events running at Borgata prior to the WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship, including a $2 million guaranteed re-entry event (January 13-16), a $230 buy-in shoot out (January 18), a $1,650 buy-in heads-up tournament (January 20-21), and a $150,000 guaranteed, $1,000 buy-in six-max freeze out (January 23-24).

“I am looking forward to the Garden State Super Series getting underway on Sunday and it is exciting how this major online series coincides with the live action of the Borgata Winter Poker Open tournament series featuring the WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship,” said Team partypoker captain Mike Sexton, who will be in New Jersey playing the majority of the online events.

“There are so many ways to qualify plus a great variety of tournament formats and the three buy-in levels that give anyone a chance to take home their share of over $1 million. We would like to thank the community for their feedback on the schedule with steeper payout structures and the introduction of Heads-Up and Super Bounty events particular results of this.”

For the complete event schedule go here.

Upcoming Casino Concerts in Atlantic City

By Lori Hoffman — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:13:13 PST

Bands, singers, comedians, sporting events and revues appearing in Atlantic City.

ATLANTIC CITY CONCERTS, CASINOS

Click here for the latest and greatest Atlantic City Casino Promotions and deals.

Click here for Atlantic City Weekly's always updated Casino Lounge Entertainment Listings with nightlife picks, DJs, headliners, live music and more.

Questions? Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.

For ticket information and more details on individual shows, click on the name of the performer. Also, watch videos for some of the concert acts coming to Atlantic City below.

January

Jan. 26, 27

Eric Kearns, Resorts

Jan. 30-31

Indoor Auto Racing, Boardwalk Hall

Jan. 31

Sounds of Philadelphia w/The O'Jays, Russell Thompkins Jr. & the Stylistics and The Delfonics, Borgata

Hannibal Buress, Borgata

Revues

Now to Jan. 29 (Thurs.)

Masters of Illusion Live!, Harrah's Resort

Feb. 1-24 (select dates)

Letter’s from Home - America’s Bombshell Duo, Erinn Diaz & Serah Haley

Resorts

February

Feb. 5

Tavares, Harrah's Resort

Feb. 7

Cage Fury Fighting Championships, Borgata

Feb. 12

Village People, Harrah's Resort

Feb. 13

Marc Anthony, Boardwalk Hall

Feb. 14

The Whispers, Bloodstone and Destinee Maree, Tropicana

Charlie Wilson, Kem, Joe, Arsenio Hall, Boardwalk Hall

Easton Corbin, Resorts

Artie Lange, Borgata

Asylum Fight League, Trump Taj Mahal

Feb. 15

Lisa Lampanelli, Borgata

Feb. 19

Shalamar w/Jody Watley, Harrah's Resort

Feb. 20

Ralphie May, Borgata

Rain A Tribute to the Beatles, Harrah's Resort

Feb. 21

Aaron Lewis, Golden Nugget

Feb. 26

Gloria Gaynor, Harrah's Resort

Feb. 28

Diana Krall, Caesars

Eli Young Band, Tropicana

March

March 5

Harlem Globetotters, Boardwalk Hall

March 6

Mike & the Mechanics, Borgata

Michael Bolton, Harrah's Resort

March 7

Eddie Money, Golden Nugget

March 13

Sarah MacLachlin, Borgata

March 14

Kathy Griffin, Borgata

Pentatonix, Borgata

Joy Behar, Resorts

March 20-21

Lewis Black, Borgata

March 21

Lara Fabian, Borgata

Three Dog Night, Tropicana

March 27

Miranda Lambert, Boardwalk Hall

March 28

Sebastian Maniscalco, Borgata

April

April 4

Celtic Thunder, Harrah's Resort

The Moody Blues, Caesars

April 11

D.L. Hughley, Tropicana

Jerry Seinfeld, Borgata

April 17-18

Frankie Valli, Borgata

April 18

The Beach Boys & America, Borgata

April 25

Frank Caliendo, Borgata

Al Bano & Romina Power, Tropicana

May

May 8

Florida Georgia Line, Boardwalk Hall

May 22

The Who Hits 50, Boardwalk Hall

May 23

Dom Irrera, Tropicana

May 30

Grand Funk Railroad, Tropicana

July

July 10

Idina Menzel, Borgata

July 24-26

Straight No Chaser, Borgata

What's the Deal? Click here for the latest and greatest Atlantic City Casino Promotions and deals.

Click here for Atlantic City Weekly's always updated Casino Lounge Entertainment Listings with nightlife picks, DJs, headliners, live music and more.

Questions? Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.

The Snappiest Meat, The Happiest Drink

By Eric San Juan — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 07:30:03 PST

Bacon and beer come together for a week of bliss at the Trop Jan. 11-17

And on the eighth day He created bacon, and He looked upon His creation and said it was good.

Then He had a beer and rested again, this time with a frothy beer, because when you’ve created something as good as bacon you deserve a break.

Visitors to Atlantic City will be able to do much the same Jan. 11–17 as the Tropicana Casino & Resort celebrates its first annual Bacon and Beer Week.

According to the Tropicana’s Maria Marques, the event has historically been two distinct theme weeks. Those celebrations were both enjoyable on their own, but you know what they say about two great tastes that taste great together: Each proved to be so popular, the organization has merged them into one big gastrointestinal nightmare of a good time.

The week-long event will spread out across the entire Tropicana Casino & Resort, covering two dozen restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, and more. An array of bacon- and beer-related specials and menus are being featured throughout the resort: Highlights include a Saturday beer brunch at Broadway Burger Bar, beer- infused recipes at il Verde, limited bacon-kissed cocktails and entrees at Fin, and specials on bacon candy at Old Farmer’s Almanac, among others.

This, of course, isn’t the first time the universe has brought bacon and beer together. Funky Buddha Brewery makes a “maple bacon coffee porter” that is breakfast in a glass — yes, you read the beer description correctly. Rogue does a bacon-infused beer as well, as do several other breweries. But a week-long event featuring all manner of creative bacon dishes and excellent craft beer? That might be a first.

Quirky events like this one are becoming more common around Atlantic City, though, as the region broadens its tourism scope to cater to a wider range of interests. And then, of course, there’s craft beer: A.C. is embracing the explosion of independently produced brews that’s been making its way slowly but surely through American cities over the past few years. The craft market is expected to grow by more than 20 percent in 2015, and there are now over 3,000 breweries operating in America.

Atlantic City has fairly quickly established itself as one of South Jersey’s best beer towns. Indeed, that the Tropicana can devote an entire week to celebrating beer along with its good friend bacon is a testament to just how popular the good brews have become.

No need to drive home after filling up on beer and bacon, either. During the event week, the Trop is offering packages that include overnight accommodations and a $20 food & beverage credit for just $65. n

Bacon & Beer Week

Jan. 11–17. Tropicana, Brighton Ave. & Boardwalk, A.C.

Complete menu & more info: tropicana.net/events/beer-bacon-week

Casino Promotions

By Lori Hoffman — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:01:28 PST

Sweepstakes, giveaways, room deals, special events and more

Here is a listing of the top promotions, giveaways, room deals and other specials available from the casinos. For information on current entertainment go to Upcoming Headliners and Casino Lounges.

Bally's Atlantic City

WSOP.com — Get in the action anywhere, any time. This is real money online poker from the biggest name in the game. For a limited time, get a 100% match on your first deposit at WSOP.com and the WSOP New Jersey Real Money Online Poker app. Anyone can play and win real money – whether you’re playing the penny tables or high-stakes no-limit hold’em.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

$20,000 Slot Tournaments — Earn an entry into Borgata’s $20,000 Slot Tournament. Visit the slot area between Racebook and Signature Room to enter the tournament, and take a shot at the $5,000 grand prize. Open to all My Borgata Cardholders. Tuesday, January 6 - Wednesday, January 7; Tuesday, January 20 - Wednesday, January 21; Monday, February 9 - Tuesday, February 10.

Play slots at Borgata and receive an instant bonus. Receive up to 10 Instant Bonuses. Each Instant Bonus is a Guaranteed Slot Dollar® Winner. Watch the card reader screen for the Borgata INSTANT BONUS button.

Caesars Atlantic City

CaesarsCasino.com — Available on PC, Mac and mobile devices. Play real video poker, slots, roulette and blackjack anywhere in New Jersey, anytime. Sign up now and get a $10 bonus – no deposit required. Your online play even counts towards Total Rewards.

Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City's award-winning loyalty program, Total Rewards® is available to over 40 casinos and resorts around the United States, has introduced a Local Perks platform. The new platform will provide customers with even more choices of how to spend their loyalty credits.

Businesses that choose to partner with the Local Perks program will automatically be exposed to Caesars Entertainment customers. Customers are offered the opportunity to exchange their accumulated Total Rewards credits for Total Rewards Gift Cards to use at the businesses taking part in the program. Some of the participating businesses include Tanger Outlets – The Walk, Raymour & Flanigan, Serago Roberts Jewelers, Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern, Casel’s Marketplace and The Crab Trap, among others. Additionally, Local Perks members from a number of counties across New Jersey including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem will receive daily discounts at property outlets and invitations to exclusive events and promotions.

Local Perks transforms Total Reward Credits into gift cards, with a 2:1 conversion rate, at any Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City Total Rewards Center. Local Perks members can redeem a minimum of $10 in gift cards per day.

For more information on the Local Perks program or a full list of the exclusive deals and partners visit www.totalac.com/locals.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Bingo Bonanza — January, 12, 19 & 26, 2 & 7pm • The Grand. 24 Karat Gold and Premier Cardholders must earn 20 Tier Points on the day of the even to enter. Free entry for all Chairman and Elite cardholders. Eight bingo games per session. $5,000 Cash awarded each session.

$5,000 Slot Tournament — Friday, January 23, Slot Tournament Area. Session Times: every hour from 5 to 9pm. Win your share of $5,000 in Free Play. FREE entry into all five sessions. To enter, present your 24 Karat Card upon registration. Play in all five sessions to increase your chance to win and we’ll keep your highest score.

    1st Place ……$2,500 Free Play

    2nd Place ……$1,000 Free Play

    3rd Place ……$750 Free Play

    4th Place ……$500 Free Play

    5th Place ……$250 Free Play

Golden Days — 24 Karat Card Members 50 years of age or older receive exclusive offers every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday through January.

• Dine:

$5 Lunch Buffet or $10 Dinner Buffet or buy one, get one FREE entree at Michael Patrick’s. Simply earn 10 Tier Points to print your Buffet or Michael Patrick’s offer at any Rewards Kiosk. One food offer per person, per day.

• Park: FREE Valet Parking when you earn 10 Tier Points

• Relax: 20% off any service at Spa & Salon. Advanced appointments are recommended. Call 800.777.1177 and mention GOLDEN DAYS. Valid for one service per day over $50 and not available on specials, packages or discounted services. Visit the 24 Karat Club for complete rules & details.

Free Self Parking — Must be 21 years of age or older and show valid ID and 24 Karat Club® to participate in promotions. Visit 24 Karat Club for complete rules and details for all promotions.

Harrah's Resort

Total Rewards Want to continuously earn Rewards Credits? Open up a Total Rewards Visa card and earn 5x the credits for every $1 you spend at any Total Rewards casino.

Resorts

$5,000 Slot Tournament — New Tournament Games. More Fun, More Excitement. Earn a minimum of 1 tier point on each date to enter the tournament. Tuesday, January 13 & 27.

Winter Car Kit — Earn 5 tier points on the day of the event and receive a Winter Car Kit, for hazardous weather on Sunday, January 11.

5-Piece Sachi® Shop, Pack & Go Set — Earn 5 tier points on the day of the event and receive a Sachi Shop, Pack & Go set for quick and easy shopping on Sunday, January 25.

$1 Million Blackjack Challenge — 25 semi-finalists will be drawn for $100 CASH & 6 finalists will then be drawn to participate in the challenge round at 11:15PM for a chance to win $1,000,000. Drawing is January 17 at 11pm.

New Casino Members Welcome

$50 Match Play — For new members. Plus, match your card tier. Visit the Promotions Booth for complete details.

Lucky Locals: It Pays to be Local! — All Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem County residents are now getting even luckier at Resorts! The fun is here and you should be too!

Sunday: Get 10% off participating Resorts’ retailers, including: Jersey Devil Surf, BluWire, Lick, Michaels, Marshall-Rousso, Accents, A Time For Wine.*

Tuesday: Play your favorite slots and get 3X Comp Dollars.

Wednesday: Two Free Show tickets*

Thursday: Free Parking*

Thursday: Every Thursday earn one point and receive one FREE lottery ticket! Lottery ticket voucher to be picked up at Promotions Booth and redeemed at Michaels. Value of ticket is one dollar.

Friday: Play your favorite slots and table games and get Double Comp Dollars

Thursday – Saturday: Buy dinner for two at Capriccio and receive free appetizer!

Visit the Promotions Booth and present a valid drivers license from one of the qualifying countries to become a Resorts Lucky Local.

**Two show tickets per customer. To qualify for free parking offer and retail discount, patron must present drivers license from Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean or Salem County. A Time for Wine cannot discount sale, room charges or comps. See Promotions Booth for details. Must be 21. Bet with your head, not over it. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER.

Tropicana Casino and Resort

About TropicanaCasino.com — Launched in November of 2013, TropicanaCasino.com, in affiliation with Tropicana Atlantic City, offers online players more than 50 casino games that can be played for fun or for real money. Online players are eligible to earn comps that can be redeemed at Tropicana Atlantic City. For more information or to join the online gaming fun, visit TropicanaCasino.com. Certain restrictions apply. TropicanaCasino.com has the right to reserve, modify, or change promotions at any time. Must be 21 and located in the state of New Jersey to play. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Loyal TROP Advantage® players have long received both weekly and monthly offers based on their play at Tropicana Casino & Resort. Tropicana is now extending this same benefit to guests who play online at TropicanaCasino.com.

“We value and appreciate our online players and are excited to be able to offer them the same TROP Advantage® rewards that our land-based players enjoy,” said Steve Callender, General Manager of Tropicana Atlantic City.

Qualifying online players who have a TROP Advantage® account will receive offers for free slot play bonuses, invitations to special events, discounts, free gifts, show tickets, overnight stays, and more at Tropicana Casino & Resort.

Online players who do not have an existing TROP Advantage® account will automatically be assigned one following their first day of online play. As a new TROP Advantage® member, online players will immediately begin earning tier points and play-based offers. In order to receive their player card and begin redeeming offers, online players may visit the TROP Advantage® Center at Tropicana Atlantic City and present valid photo ID.

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter

See More South Jersey Nightlife Options Here

RELATED: UPCOMING CASINO CONCERTS

Got questions? Leave your comments or queries below.

Grand Poker Series at Golden Nugget

By Lori Hoffman — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 08:43:35 PST

Nugget kicks off new year with a series of poker tournaments Jan. 10-19

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to make more money in 2015, the Golden Nugget presents an opportunity for poker players to do just that with its Golden Nugget 10-day Grand Poker Series taking place from Saturday, Jan. 10 to Monday, Jan. 19 in the Golden Nugget’s Grand Ballroom. The ten-day long event features 12 one-day tournaments and a three-day main event for the poker TV series, Poker Night in America.

Local players will have the opportunity to get themselves in front of the TV cameras by playing their way to the final table of the championship event. With buy-ins ranging from $140-$1,125, and prize money totaling in $150,000, the tournaments will draw an eclectic mix of both amateurs and pros. Seating is limited for each round.

The celebrity players scheduled to appear are Craig Carton, Jamie Kerstetter, Jared Jaffe, Katie Stone, Dan Shak, Matt Stout, Richard Roeper, Matt Glantz, Linda Kenny Baden, Steve McLoughlin,

Wendeen Eolis and Annette Obrestad.

On Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 15, there will be Super Satellite tournaments with opportunities to win spots in the main event Poker Night in America competition taking place Friday, Jan. 16 through Monday, Jan. 19.

Here is the complete list of tournaments:

• Saturday, January 10

No Limit Texas Hold’em, $180 – 12:15pm

• Sunday, January 11

No Limit Texas Hold’em, $295 – 12:00pm

“Second Chance Texas Hold’em”, $160– 7:00pm

• Monday, January 12

No Limit Texas Hold’em, $240 – 11:00am

“Second Chance Texas Hold’em”, $160 – 7:00pm

• Tuesday, January 13

No Limit Texas Hold’em, $295 – 11:00am

“Second Chance Texas Hold’em”, $160 – 7:00pm

• Wednesday, January 14

No Limit Texas Hold’em, $284 – 11:00am

Super Satelllite 1:10 Main Event Entry, $140 – 7:00pm

• Thursday, January 15

No Limit Texas Hold’em, $350 – 11:00am

Super Satelllite 1:10 Main Event Entry, $140 – 7:00pm

• Friday, January 16

Poker Night in America – Day 1A, $1,125 – 11:00am

Poker Night in America – Day 1B, $1,125 – 7:00pm

• Saturday, January 17

Poker Night in America – Day 1C, $1,125 – 11:00am

Poker Night in America – Day 1D, $1,125 – 7:00pm

• Sunday, January 18th

Poker Night in America Day 2 – 12:00pm

No Limit Texas Hold’em “Last Chance Cash”, $185 – 7:00pm

• Monday, January 19

Poker Night in America Finale

Haven Boom

By Ray Schweibert — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 08:44:20 PST

No holiday hiatus for the Nugget nightclub

To the trend of toning down traditional nightlife activity this time of year and yielding to more traditional holiday happenings, Haven says “Bah, humbug!” Golden Nugget’s 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art nightclub is going full blast into holidays with a slate of some of the best DJs and entertainment sorts on the planet.

DJ Gusto and fellow S.K.A.M. artist DJ Reach invade Haven Dec. 11 for the MisBeHaven Thursday party, then Chris Devine and S3T1 take over the turntables on Friday night. On Saturday, Dec. 13, S3T1 teams up with British turntable sensation Mark Eteson, a resident at the club Playboy magazine deemed the No. 1 nightclub in America, Hakkasan at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. DJ Eteson also serves as host of the hour-long Hakkasan Nightclub Radio Show every Tuesday night; a show that previews and profiles the latest EDM artists and their music, and achieved the world’s highest-rated nightclub radio show status on iTunes. Eteson was also named Best Rising Star in the EDM world at the 2013 Viva Las Vegas Awards.

Coming up on the Dec. 18 MisBeHaven Thursdays Party, famed nightlife photographer and New Jersey-born Kirill Was Here will join S.K.A.M. artist DJ Mr. Mauricio as host of Haven’s inaugural “Chicks and Kicks Party” — a house party with giveaways and contest prizes including comped table service for the group with the best high-fashioned sneakers, a $250 gift card to the individual with the “best kicks,” and table service for the best Champagne facial. There will also be 40-ounce beers and mini kegs on special.

On Friday, Dec. 19, partygoers can rage with Disco Fries and DJ Sean Perry, and the weekend wraps up Saturday, Dec. 20, when Dragan Roganović, a Serbian-Australian DJ, remixer and record producer best known as Dirty South, makes his Haven debut. n

HAVEN Golden Nugget, A.C. Marina District. Hours: Thurs.-Fri., 11pm-4am; Sat. 10pm-4am. 609.340.5111. havenac.com

Mark Eteson, a DJ for the international nightlife label Godskitchen, will perform at Haven on Saturday.

Swon Songs

By Ray Schweibert — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:36:01 PDT

Two Oklahoma brothers and rising counry music stars will perform at Resorts

Lately Atlantic City has been bringing to town many of the biggest names in country music, and is sort of carving out a niche for itself as the genre’s de facto capital of the northeast coast. The most notable events of the summer, of course, were when country superstars Blake Shelton (July 31) and Lady Antebellum (Aug. 3) drew tens of thousands to the resort town for free concerts on the beach.

The pattern perseveres Friday night when the upstart country duo Swon Brothers performs at Resorts starting at 9pm. Zach, age 29, and Colton, 26, Swon have long been popular presences in their native Oklahoma, growing up in a family steeped in southern gospel. They first came on the national radar screen, though, as finalists on season four of The Voice. They placed third that season as part of Team Blake (taking pointers from vocal coach Shelton, a regular on the NBC reality hit series) but their playful, charismatic personalities made them tops among the viewing audience.

Singers/musicians since early childhoood, the pair recently signed a contract to Arista Nashville Records. They also recently released a popular single called “Later On,” have an album in the works to drop later this year, and were nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 48th Country Music Awards in 2013 (along with Dan + Shay, who opened Shelton’s A.C. beach concert, and Florida Georgia Line, which headlined Boardwalk Hall in May).

Swon Brothers

Resorts Superstar Theater

Friday, Sept. 12, 9pm

Tickets $30-$40

Resortsac.com

Beatlemania Now: When They're 50

By Stephen Segal — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 07:39:37 PDT

Beatlemania Now Runs At Trump Plaza Through August 27 — So We Asked ‘John Lennon,’ aka Scot Arch, What’s Exciting in This Anniversary Year

It’s the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show this year. What does that anniversary mean to you personally? I was a child sitting on the floor watching the Sullivan show, captivated. Just from watching that show, I could mimic the physical characteristics of all four of them — I sucked it all in. Watching the Beatles on that show made me want to learn how to play guitar. Little did I know that someday I would make a living playing the guitar as “John Lennon”!

What’s your favorite moment in this year’s Beatlemania Now show—whether a musical moment or a subtler piece of the performance? My favorite moment is when we perform “For The Benefit of Mr Kite” from the Sgt.Pepper album. Though I dont get to watch during the show, I love the video that runs during the song — it really encompasses the vibe of the song. And I love the fun things we do during the song, which I’ll keep secre — if you wanna know what those things are, you’ve got to come to the show!

Obviously, there will never be “another Beatles” as such; the group’s impact on pop music was singular and history-specific. That said: What musical acts today do you think show at least some of the Beatles’ irrepressible spirit? That’s a tough one for me; I don’t get a chance to listen to a lot of new music. I would have to say my favorite up and coming musical acts are Completely Official — a rap group in the Philadelphia region probably known better as “CompOff,” who have some really thoughtful and meaningful lyrics — and a songwriter-performer by the name of Graham Alexander. You can find both their music online.

If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have one single Beatles song to listen to forever, which would it be? Why? “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” — it was the Beatles record that started Beatlemania in the U.S., and it’s full of nostalgia for me. Lots of memories attached! n

Beatlemania Now runs through Aug. 27 at Trump Plaza, and features Scot Arch on guitar, keyboards and vocals; leftie Cooper Franson on bass, vocals and keyboards; Chris Colon on lead guitar and vocals; Eric Smith on drums and vocals; and, side stage, playing harmonica, acoustic guitar, keyboards and percussion, is Zach Harski. The show on Sat., Aug. 16 will be a live taping. More info: beatlemanianow.com

Full of Heart

By Ed Condran — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:25:29 PDT

Christina Perri’s rags-to-riches story leads back to the Jersey shore for Friday’s big show at Revel,

You never would guess that Christina Perri had a stomach bug when she stepped onto the Electric Factory stage in Philadelphia two months ago. “I’m home,” she sang into the microphone to the capacity crowd of 2,800. Her fans shrieked and nearly blew the roof of the venue as Perri marveled at the scene with aw-shucks bemusement: “I’m just a girl from Bensalem.”

This week, Perri is getting ready for homecoming show 2.0 Friday at Revel’s Ovation Hall. “I may have grown up outside of Philadelphia, but in many ways I also felt like I grew up at the Jersey shore,” Perri says. “We vacationed in Ocean City and we have an aunt in Brigantine. When I turned 21, I would go to the Borgata with my brother, and we had some fun nights there. Atlantic City is close enough for my friends and family. I don’t know if I’ll have 150 guests like I did at the Electric Factory, which was so magical, but I know I’ll have fun. This has been quite a journey.”

It wasn’t that long ago that Perri, 27, was working as a waitress at the Eddington House in Bensalem, Pa. “I loved working [there],” Perri says. “I was surrounded by such great people. I remember my last night at the Eddington House — they had a party for me, and the waitresses pooled all their tips together and gave me thousands of dollars since I was leaving.”

Perri left for the West Coast to further her career on her 21st birthday. “I took my little guitar and my big fat dream to Los Angeles,” she says. It wasn’t easy initially for the sensitive singer-songwriter: “I cried myself to sleep every night for three months. Los Angeles is so different than the East Coast. Everyone out here is so beautiful.”

She grinded it out as a waitress for three years — till a friend slipped a copy of her ballad “Jar of Hearts” to a choreographer from the Fox show So You Think You Can Dance. The producers fell for the love song, and that TV spotlight set the ball rolling. More than 100,000 fans downloaded the agreeable pop tune — enabling the unknown Perri to crack the Billboard Top 40 two weeks after her song aired on the show.

“It’s a crazy story,” Perri says. “It’s such a unique tale. I got really lucky. I felt like Cinderella. On June 29, 2010, I was a waitress. The following night the song was on [TV] and everything exploded. All of a sudden I had 6,000 Facebook friend requests. I quit my job the next day. Every major label approached me about signing with them.”

Within two weeks, Perri inked a deal with Atlantic Records — and she had yet to make her live debut. That changed a week later, when she debuted on The Early Show on CBS. Within a year, the amiable singer-songwriter released her debut album, Lovestrong, which features “Jar of Hearts.”

“It was great to have my single embraced and then there was the album,” Perri says. “It was a nice start. I owe so much to ‘Jar of Hearts.’ Before the song took off, I wasn’t the most comfortable in front of an audience, but that obviously changed... All of my fear is gone. I have no problem playing any city. It’s an adventure, and it’s interesting playing Philadelphia or places close to it, because Philadelphians either really love you or hate you.”

The gritty city has helped shape Perri, who returns home whenever she can, as a songwriter. Head or Heart is full of passionate, introspective and earnest ballads. “I waited until I was inspired,” Perri says. “It took three weeks for inspiration to hit. The songs come from my life, my way of thinking. But I also think the songs reflect my roots. They’re based on reality, much like Philadelphia, which is a wear-it-on-your-sleeve kind of city. I’m like Philadelphia: I’m rough around the edges, and I won’t take any shit from anybody.” n

CHRISTINA PERRI

Friday, July 25. 9pm. Revel Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, A.C.

Tickets are $29.50, $34.50 and $49.50. More info: 855-348-0500.

Very Top Chefs

By Frank Gabriel — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 08:52:32 PDT

The Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival serves one of the most compelling lineups in its six-year history.

It’s a remarkable trio of superstar guest chefs that Caesars has lined up to headline the sixth annual Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival this week: Robert Irvine, Martha Stewart and Marcus Samuelsson. And while Irvine and Stewart each have longstanding East Coast roots, the festival marks the first local appearance for the intrepid Samuelsson, who’s one of the modern culinary world’s most revered personages.

The Ethiopian-born Samuelsson was adopted by a Swedish family and found culinary inspiration from his grandmother Helga, herself a chef. In 1995, at just 23 years of age, Samuelsson earned a coveted three stars from the New York Times for his first American restaurant, Aquavit. Four years later, he was selected as the James Beard Foundation’s Rising Young Chef — and in 2003 the prestigious organization named him the best chef in New York City.

Atlantic City Weekly chatted with Chef Samuelsson ahead of his visit to the A.C. Food and Wine Festival.

Will this be your first visit to Atlantic City, or have you been here before? I’ve always loved to visit Atlantic City, but this will be my first time at [the festival]. I’m very excited to be a part of it.

Tell us about the menu you have planned for your events at the festival. A lot of the dishes will be inspired by seasonal ingredients. There is so much wonderful produce available in New Jersey this time of year, so I really wanted to highlight the tastes of summer. I will be hosting a clambake Saturday night, and I’m very excited to bring my own spin to this classic summer eating experience. [Note: See also “Dining by the Sea,” right.]

In 2009, you were selected as the guest chef for the first official state dinner of President Barack Obama’s administration. We know it had an Indian/vegetarian theme, in honor of Indian Prime Minister Singh and his country; could you share with us some of the menu items that were served? I served dishes like potato and eggplant salad with arugula from the White House garden and onion seed vinaigrette; and green curry prawns with caramelized salsify, smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati.

New Scandinavian Cooking with Andreas Viestad has been one of our favorite television food shows of the last decade or so. Are you a fan? I am a fan, because I really like programs that give viewers at home a close-up look at different cuisines from around the world. I think it can be inspiring for home cooks to try something new, and opens people up to new flavors.

Of the various television franchises with which you’ve been involved — Top Chef/Top Chef Masters, Chopped, Iron Chef America/The Next Iron Chef and The Taste and The Feed on FYI — which has been your favorite? I am thankful for all of these shows and the opportunities they have given me to meet new passionate chefs, learn about their inspiration and try their food.

How has your venture with Clarion Hotels in Sweden and Norway, the Kitchen & Table restaurant concept, gone so far? Any plans to bring an outlet to American soil soon? The experience with K&T has been great. We have really helped to popularize hotel dining to Scandinavia in the way it is popular in the states. The best part of the concept is that we have also given each restaurant a local touch depending on the city it is located in. No plans at the moment to bring it stateside, but who knows where the journey will take us.

Finally, though you were raised in Sweden, your native land is Ethiopia. Have you ever considered opening a restaurant dedicated to their traditional Wat cuisine? Anything is possible.

SEE TOP FESTIVAL CHEFS AT SIX ‘DINING BY THE SEA’ MEALS:

Dinner with Robert Irvine

Thursday, July 25, 7pm. First course: Lobster summer salad with chilled Jersey corn soup, petite heirloom tomatoes, haricot verts, compressed cucumbers, young pea tendrils, citrus-Champagne vinaigrette. Second course: Local veal tenderloin, coco vert beans sofrito, English pea puree, mango condiment, micro cilantro. Dessert: key lime meringue tart, macerated local blueberries, caramel rippled-vanilla bean ice cream, Graham Cracker crunch. (Each course will have a wine pairing.)

Breakfast with Martha Stewart

Friday, July 26, 10am. First course: Martha’s green juice. Second course: Cheese popovers with creamed spinach. Third course: Fried egg and bacon. (Specialty cocktail: Bloody Mary)

Lunch with Marcus Samuelsson

Friday, July 26, 1pm. First course: Cornbread & tomato watermelon salad. Second course: Fried chicken with succotash and collards. Dessert: Donuts and ice cream sandwich. (Specialty cocktail: Peach Sangria).

Dinner with Martha Stewart

Friday, July 26, 7pm. First course: Melon and cucumber salad. Second course: Cioppino. Dessert: Berry cobbler.

Breakfast with Marcus Samuelsson

Saturday, July 27, 10am. First course: Deviled eggs. Second course: Smoked salmon and green papaya salad. Third course: Caribbean bacon with beans, soy poached egg. (Specialty cocktail: Rooster Michelada.)

Lunch with Robert Irvine

Saturday, July 27, 1pm. First course: Octopus carpaccio

Petite heirloom tomatoes, fava beans, fingerling potatoes, mache & pickled red onion-olive condiment, olio verde. Second course: Bourbon brined Amish chicken. Summer corn & sweet potato hash, chanterelle mushrooms, Nueske’s bacon lardoons & fermented garlic jus de poulet. Dessert: Warm peach cobbler. Almond streusel, blackberry preserves, Tahitian vanilla-crème fraiche ice cream. (Each course will have a wine pairing.)

For a complete schedule of all Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival events, visit caesars.com/acfoodandwine

Last Call to Rock

By David J. Spatz — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:24:52 PDT

There Are Four Shows Left To Catch At Showboat’s House Of Blues

They’re only a fraction of the 2,100 employees who will lose their jobs when Showboat Atlantic City closes at the end of August. But a case could be made that the people who service the casino’s House of Blues brand-within-the-brand represent the soul of the resort and gaming hall.

Even if some wealthy corporate savior rides into town next month and prevents Showboat from closing, the local House of Blues — which has been part of the property since 2005 — seems slated to enter the history books.

Since 2010, Showboat’s owner, Caesars Entertainment, has been paying a fee to HOB owner Live Nation Entertainment for the rights to operate the facility. Of the 12 House of Blues properties in the national chain, the Atlantic City branch was the only franchise.

Insiders at Caesars Entertainment tell Atlantic City Weekly that regardless of what happens — whether Showboat is sold or simply closes — the House of Blues run will end. Not even the mojo of some sacred Mississippi River mud — which was supposed to safeguard the stage of the 2,300-seat Music Hall and all who set foot upon it — will keep the venue rocking past August.

Construction of the House of Blues at Showboat began in late 2004 with an elaborate ceremony headlined by actor Dan Aykroyd, one of the celebrity investors who helped launch the company in 1992. The Music Hall — the second largest in the HOB chain — was being carved out of the casino’s former ballroom, the Mississippi Pavilion, where Bob Hope christened the casino when it opened in March 1987.

Construction reached a fever pitch the following spring ahead of a late June debut. But work briefly ground to a halt for several hours one May morning for the traditional “Mississippi mud pour,” a ritual that takes places as every HOB nears completion.

A metal box containing thick mud mined from the Mississippi River delta — considered by many the birthplace of the blues — was buried beneath the stage. The mud was said to have the “mojo” to look after the artists who performed at HOB and infuse them with southern hospitality and spirit.

Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd soft-opened the House of Blues in June 2005. They were followed about a week later with an opening week lineup that lived up to HOB’s promise of entertainment diversity: the rock band Counting Crows, rapper Eminem and the Blues Brothers (Aykroyd and Jim Belushi).

“You can’t just fill [HOB] with blues acts, because it’ll never work,” Aykroyd said at the time. “House of Blues was never meant to be just a blues joint. From the day we got into this, we want to offer people diversity. That’s why you’ll see someone like B.B. King one night, then someone like Harry Connick Jr. the next and KC & The Sunshine Band after that. We’ll even do comedy.”

Each artist attracts a different audience, Aykroyd said, and that’s important in a venue that’s part of a casino resort.

Aykroyd sold his interest in HOB when the chain was purchased by Live Nation Entertainment in 2006 but remained as a consultant to the company. During a 2009 promotional appearance at Resorts Casino Hotel on behalf of Crystal Head Vodka, Aykroyd said he felt House of Blues at Showboat was being “underutilized.” That was about a year before Live Nation agreed to let Caesars Entertainment franchise the brand and book the Music Hall itself.

Specifically, Aykroyd was concerned that some of the hip hop acts were attracting an audience that scared off some of the casino’s more senior customers. “I’ve been urging our bookers to get back to the great quality blues and R & B and rock acts that made us such a great [entertainment venue],” he said.

Ironically, after performing at Showboat during HOB’s opening week — when Aykroyd and Belushi led a motorcycle parade down the Boardwalk — their Blues Brothers show never played the room again. “It’s a little weird, because we play casinos all over the country, but House of Blues [at Showboat] never offered us anything,” Aykroyd said. “We’re not cheap. We’re probably one of the most expensive R & B revues in the world, but we’re worth it. But our musicians won’t work for free, and neither will [Belushi] and I.”

Barring a booking miracle, it isn’t likely you’ll see the Blues Brothers there between now and Aug. 31, when Showboat’s scheduled to close. In fact, only three more acts — country singer Josh Turner, smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz and R&B singer Ne-Yo — are scheduled before The Voice winner Cassadee Pope brings the curtain down for good on Aug. 29. n

Off The Hook Cuisine

By Lori Hoffman — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 17:57:31 PDT

Food Network’s spike-haired superstar brings his culinary bling to Bally’s with Guy Fieri’s Chophouse

Three years ago at the Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival Guy Fieri told me how much he enjoyed the ambience of Atlantic City and its growing reputation as a foodie paradise. He also said he would love to open a restaurant in town.

This summer that wish has come to delicious life with Guy Fieri’s Chophouse at Bally’s, a steakhouse that has a casual vibe. At a special introduction of his new restaurant on Friday night (July 18), I had the opportunity to enjoy a trip to Flavortown and it was quite a party for my taste buds.

The evening began with his Kick It Up Seafood Tower. The selections included king crab. Jumbo shrimp, and east and west coast oysters and local clams. All the selections were fresh and delicious.

More appetizers followed including Fieri’s signature Danger Wings and Las Vegas Fries. Dare I say both were off-the-hook. The wings are the drumettes shaped into lollipops with the bone being a perfect way to pick up the wings to avoid messiness. They were crisp on the outside with a tender center of perfectly cooked chicken. The dip is also a signature item, his blue-sabi dip, bringing wasabi to the standard blue cheese.

The Vegas Fries are bigger than steak fries in a curly shape and are double fried without being greasy. The inside of the fry melts in your mouth like creamy mashed potatoes.

We also were served his pork belly sliders and Malibu broiled oysters, Fieri’s take on Oysters Rockefeller with Havarti cream, spinach, garlic and crispy potato sticks as a neat little garnish.

For entrees we selected from the menu. The turf side of the menu includes a 14 oz. New York Strip, his 22-oz signature rib eye, filet mignon, and horseradish-rubbed prime rib. You can add even more flavor with what the menu calls “Steak Bling.” The choice of toppings are shrimp scampi, lobster knuckles or mushrooms and onions.

The surf side had his planked salmon with apricot which was the dish that earned him his title as the “Next Food Network Star.” There is also a cold water lobster , whole Maine lobster and king crab legs stuffed with jumbo lump crab, Jersey corn and tarragon aioli.

My selection was the stuffed king crab and it was delicious, the saltiness of the king crab balanced by the sweetness of the lump crab and the corn.

The sides are also off-the-hook, including creamed spinach, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and Mac Daddy Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese. This was my favorite bite of the night, the smoky bacon flavor adding a wonderful accent to a delicious blend of cheese and penne pasta.

The Chophouse desserts are huge portions and include an incredible cheesecake, and his signature chocolate chip mint ice cream cake with Junior Mints candy as a garnish.

The prices points are more than reasonable for the quality of the food with entrees priced from $33-$47.

As Guy loves to say, “This meal was da bomb.”

Illusion Plus Humor

By Stephen H. Segal — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 09:50:15 PDT

Back by popular demand, ‘Magique’ returns for a two-month run at the Tropicana.

Magicians have this reputation for being super serious. It’s easy enough to understand why — the great escape artist Houdini would put his own life in danger to impress an audience; Uri Geller’s psychic tricks threatened to overturn our understand of the universe itself; and David Copperfield, well, he’s spent an awful lot of years scowling sexily while making stuff disappear.

But the thing is, sometimes you want magic to be fun.

You know: Penn and Teller driving nails up their nose with a hammer. The Flying Karamazov Brothers juggling mystery objects in the dark. Incredible feats of the seemingly impossible don’t have to be endlessly awe-inspiring — and while you’re relaxing in the summer, frankly, it’s better if they’re just plain OMG awesome.

We are pleased to report that Kevin & Caruso’s “Magique Encore” at the Tropicana is, indeed, OMG awesome.

You’ll see aircraft materialize out of nowhere. You’ll see gorgeous ladies in sparkling costumes vanish into thin air. You’ll see a man levitate before your very eyes. And you will laugh, or you’re a person with no soul.

Don’t believe us? Check out our video clips from the show online at acweekly.com. You’ll believe soon enough.

MAGIQUE ENCORE

Tropicana, 2831 Boardwalk, A.C. Through August 29.

Complete show schedule: tropicana.net.

Tickets: $25 for adults, $10 for children under 16.

ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Masterful Magician Rob Lake

By Lori Hoffman — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 09:06:09 PDT

Award-winning illusionist is conjuring up fun at Trump Taj Mahal’s Xanadu Theater

Rob Lake has arrived in Atlantic City with an impressive resume. For example, in 2008 the personable illusionist became the youngest magician ever to receive the coveted Merlin award (magic’s highest honor) and be named Stage Magician of the Year by the International Society of Magicians, the world’s largest magic organization.

In addition to performing, he has been a magic consultant for network television series, films, and his magical effects can be seen in theatrical productions around the world including the The Phantom of the Opera, and in over 600 productions of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast.

With those credentials you would expect to see a high quality show and Lake delivers exactly that, a show that has a modern feel, including five dancers, but that utilizes classic illusions like levitation and sawing a woman in half.

Lake’s show features a lot of audience participation, going into the crowd several times to find amateur assistants, adding to the fun. His persona is low-key yet is presentation is theatrical enough to provide several “wow” moments, including his finale when he and his assistant are on a motorcycle onstage that disappears and reappears in the audience.

Another fascinating illusion involves dumping colored sand into a bowl of water and then reaching into that bowl and producing dry sand.

Besides his current run at the Taj, Lake will be hitting the small screen starting August 1 as one of the stars of Masters of Illusion, a 13-episode weekly series on the CW network. The show features 37 of the best performers from all across the country, including Lake, Rick Thomas, Ed Alonzo, Jonathan Pendragon, Nathan Burton, Murray Sawchuck, Farrell Dillon, Shimshi, Michael Giles, Spencer Horsman and more.

The Magic of Rob Lake

Now-Aug. 31, Trump Taj Mahal Xanadu Theater.

Tues.-Thurs., Sat., Sun. 8pm; $29. Ticketmaster.com

Harrah's New Hub

By Ray Schweibert — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 14:04:49 PDT

Coming Soon: A Lobby Bar With a Laid-back, Late-night Vibe

Harrah’s Resort regional president Rick Mazer has been in the gaming industry most of his adult life, so shortly after relocating to Atlantic City from Las Vegas, he recognized the need for some recalibrating of the marina district property. With the help, that is, of a chance encounter.

“This basically started shortly after my arrival in the market [last year],” he says. “I was walking around the casino floor one Saturday night, and a middle-aged couple came up and asked if there was any place they might go and have a quiet martini. I looked at my watch and it was after restaurant hours, and I realized there really wasn’t any. All of our bars and restaurants take on more of a high-energy nightlife atmosphere after a certain time, and there really isn’t a quiet place for folks to go. I started to think about what makes sense, and thought that maybe a whiskey-bar setting with a nice wine selection would work — a nice, relaxing environment where people might meet for a drink or to map out their plans once they arrive.”

Mazer and his staff ran some ideas by SOSH Architects, a locally based organization specializing in the hospitality and entertainment industry. Plans are now in the works to create a new lounge and lobby bar adjacent to Harrah’s guest check-in and VIP registration areas. “We met with the SOSH group, told them what we had in mind, and they came back with some designs that were phenomenal,” says Mazer. “They hit the mark right on.” The lobby bar, he says, will replace a current retail store and some unused lobby space, “and we’ll be relocating the concierge area, VIP and Hertz [rental car] areas to create what is going to be a very elegant space... a whiskey-bar ambience with unique cocktails and a coffee menu incorporated as well.”

Customer disruption should be kept to a minimum during the approximately eight weeks needed to complete the renovations. “Everything’s been ordered, construction will begin the middle of this month, and hopefully we’ll be open within eight weeks,” says Mazer. “It’s going to be a great place for guests to stop in when they first arrive and sort of plan out their A.C. stay, or someplace go late at night that’s more subdued than the nightlife experience.”

The Cat's Pajamas at Resorts

By Ed Condran — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 11:38:58 PDT

It’s An A Cappella Summer In A.C.

The members of the Cat’s Pajamas could have taken a break while rendering ‘Stand By Me.’ The energetic crowd at the Superstar Theater was on its feet belting out the classic Ben E. King cut along with the young, charismatic vocal group.

“We were nearly drowned out by the audience,” vocalist Brian Skinner says. “It was amazing how into the songs the crowd was. We should have just let them sing it. You could really feel their voices. We were blown away.”

It was just the first night of a long Atlantic City run for the Cat’s Pajamas: The vocal group, which formed eight-years ago in Madison, Wisconsin, will perform at Resorts Atlantic City through Aug 30. “We’re really looking forward to experiencing this city,” Skinner says. “It looks awesome to us. I can’t wait to spend time on the boardwalk, the beach and hopefully catch some of the recording artists coming to town— as long as we have the night off on one of those nights. We’ve been rehearsing every day since we got here.”

For most of the year, the Cat’s Pajamas — Skinner, Liam Ryan, Joshua David Evans, Donovan Germain and Michael Samsky — deliver their take on familiar songs from the ‘50s, 60s and ‘70s from their home base in Branson, Missouri. Few would have guessed that Skinner would have embarked on such a career a dozen years ago when he was a psychology major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison “Back then I was scanning brains for affected neuroscience,” he says. Now, fans of golden oldies are scanning tickets in order to catch the retro sounds of Cat’s Pajamas. “Like a lot of people,” he says, “I was studying for a career that wouldn’t be as satisfying as what I really wanted to do.”

During college, Skinner was part of a number of a capella groups. “I was just so passionate about it,” he says. “Who needs instruments?” Indeed: Skinner and his vocal mates sing and replicate the sounds of the instruments orally. “I’ve learned how to do the bass and drums at the same time,” he says. “Yes, I have some time on my hands.”

The timing seems right for the Cat’s Pajamas, with a capella vocals back in vogue. For instance: Straight No Chaser, a very successful a capella act that has a deal with Atlantic Records, has enjoyed a pair of residencies in Atlantic City. “People just love what we bring to the table as an a capella act,” SNC vocalist Walter Chase says. “There’s something about what we do that connects with people.”

For one thing, the members of contemporary a capella acts can actually sing, which is a contrast from many recording artists in this producer-centric pop era, which often sees vocalists’ output pumped up electronically. “You might go to a show and catch a national recording artist and you could be disappointed by what you hear but we deliver,” Skinner says. “We can really sing.”

It’s not uncommon for fans of the Cat’s Pajamas to catch the act more than once during its residency. The good news is that the group mixes up its set. “We don’t do the same thing every night,” Skinner says. “Not only do we mix it up, we also throw in some contemporary songs when we can. We’ve done Lady Gaga, Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz songs. We’re known for doing the classics but it’s fun, especially for us to sing songs that are recent and fun.”

Don’t expect Skinner to put his psychology degree to use any time soon. “I can’t do that,” Skinner said. “I’m having too much fun doing this. This is just such a blast. And so many people come out. A capella is in thanks to shows like The Voice and The Singoff and even American Idol. People love watching people sing just like they did generations ago. There’s nothing like going to a show and watching someone belt it out.”

Thanks to his career, Skinner gets to hang in A.C. for the summer. “I’m going to play some skeeball, check out the arcades and the Boardwalk,” Skinner said. “If that sounds like I’m a kid, well, I guess I am. That’s what can happen when you sing for a living. You have downtime and you either stay in your hotel room or have some fun. I would rather have fun. I wouldn’t be this way if I ended up going go grad school and had a regular job. That’s part of what I love about this.”

The act: The Cat’s Pajamas The place: Superstar Theater, Resorts, 1133 Boardwalk, A.C.

The time: Ongoing through Aug. 29. Times vary; call 800-736-1420 for full schedule.

2014 Summer Guide

By AC Weekly staff — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 08:39:44 PDT

Free Shows! Beach Thrills! And The Whole Summer’s A&E Calendar!

SCRUMPTIOUS SUMMER SOUNDS — By Ray Schweibert

About 20 local chefs will be cooking up all sorts of a southern Louisiana specialty when the Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off and Music Festival returns to Somers Point on June 21. Voting for the best bowl of gumbo will earn the winner $1,000, and a $22 entry fee ($25 day-of-event) will get you all the sumptuous gumbo you can taste.

Even better for you music fans, the Cajun Zydeco sounds of Raw Oyster Cult, an all-star band with original members from the New Orleans Radiators and John Gros of Papa Grows Funk, will be among the talent that plays for nine hours straight, from 1-10pm. Others will include the Pittsburgh-based Jill West and Blues Attack, and homegrown rockers Billy Walton and the Dan Burke Band.

Event producer Carmen Marotta also recently announced some of the special musical guests he has coming to Atlantic City this summer as part of the Tony Mart’s Presents Mardi Gras A.C. concert series that the CRDA will help finance through a $151,000 grant. The series goes from Aug. 4 through Sept. 8 and will consist of nine concerts on the beach and at Kennedy Plaza (in front of Boardwalk Hall).

The series includes four concerts on the A.C. Boardwalk, three on the beach that coincide with the Atlantic City Air Show (Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 11-13), and two (Aug. 31 and Sept. 8) commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles performing at Convention (now Boardwalk) Hall on Aug. 31, 1964.

“I think what we’re going to do is really going to be great,” says Marotta. “People want to have a good time and that’s what we’re providing. We’re going to do the classic rock along with the good-time music of New Orleans.”

The series starts Aug. 4 with Marcia Ball, who USA Today once described as “a sensation, saucy singer and superb pianist, where Texas stomp-rock and Louisiana blues-swamp meet.”

The Charlie Daniels Band performs the Monday of the Air Show festivities (Aug. 11, the day of the America Salutes the Armed Forces parade), John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band will be doing its Eddie and the Cruisers show Tuesday (the film Eddie and the Cruisers was largely shot at the legendary bygone nightclub Tony Mart’s in Somers Point, owned by Marotta’s father, in May 1982), and on Wednesday night (Aug. 14) after the Air Show, it will be the Felix Cavaliere Band on the beach (Cavaliere is best known as the former lead singer/songwriter/founder of The Rascals).

The series will also include The Cowsills (Aug. 11) as part of what’s being dubbed “AC Retro Weekend,” sensational blues guitarist Tab Benoit on Aug. 18, and the blues-rock supergroup Royal Southern Brotherhood on Aug. 25 that features Cyril Nevill of a band synonymous with the New Orleans sound, the Nevill Brothers, and Devon Allman, the son of Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers.

“[Devon Allman]’s a really, really good guitar player and he looks so much like his uncle Duane [Allman, a guitar great who passed away in 1971] that it’s almost spooky,” says Marotta. “I first saw him at a jazz fest down south and I’m sort of just listening and half paying attention, and I’m thinking to myself, ‘wow this guy can really sing the blues,’ and I look up and it’s Devon Allman. Then it all made sense — his father is one of the best white blues singers in the history of the world [and lead singer for the Allmans for over 40 years].”

Also featured will be one of the great a cappella doo-wop groups out of Brooklyn, The Persuasions, on Sunday Aug. 31, .and the series wraps up Monday, Sept. 8, with Coco Montoya — the guitarist who replaced Eric Clapton in John Mayall’s Blues Breakers when Clapton struck out on his own. “[Montoya] came up with [fellow guitar legend] Albert Collins and went with John Mayall, so he’s got a pedigree,” says Marotta, who also co-produces the free Somers Point Beach Concert Series returning for the 22nd year June 13-Sept. 5.

“I’m so excited — I’ve never produced him in a show and he’s always been one of my personal favorites. And what a beautiful way to end the summer — a nice Sept. 8 evening, the week of the [Miss America] Pageant — we’re going to really enjoy ourselves this summer.”

The Jersey Gumbo cook-off & music Festival

Sat., June 21. 1–10pm. Somers Point Fire Company #1,

447 Bethel Road. $22/advance, $25/door. tonymart.com

************

FREE MUSIC ALL SEASON LONG

Blake Shelton beach concert. Thursday, July 31, A.C. beach.

Lady Antebellum beach concert. Sunday, Aug. 3, A.C. beach.

DO AC Summer Boardwalk Music Series. Live bands and the Boardwalk Beat Dancers at Kennedy Plaza every Friday through Sunday, 8-11pm, June 20 through Labor Day.

CRDA/Tony Mart’s Presents Mardi Gras Concert Series. Nine concerts on the beach and Boardwalk in August and September.

15th annual Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series. Thursdays in July and August, 7-10pm, at Kennedy Plaza, includes opening act and national headliner. July 3: Winard Harper and Jeli Posse with Eddie Morgan Trio, July 10: Helen Sung Quartet with Steve Cain Quartet. July 17: Michael Pedicin Quartet with Jordan Williams Quartet. July 24: Wilson “Chembo” Corniel Quintet with Suzzette Ortiz Quartet. July 31: Sean Jones Quartet with Chicken Bone Beach Youth Jazz Ensemble. Aug. 7: Mimi Jones Quartet with Connie Jackson Quartet. Aug. 14: Kameelah Samar Quartet with Dwain Davis Quartet. Aug. 21: Tia Fuller Quartet with Gil Thompson Trio. Aug. 28: Ralph Peterson, Jr. Quartet with Keith Hollis Quartet).

Atlantic City Free Public Library International Night Series. Wednesdays in July and August, 7-8:30pm, Kennedy Plaza. July 2: B-Street Band. July 9: Cintron Band. July 16: Taiko Masala. July 23: Caribefunk. July 30: Nritya Creations. Aug. 6: Dendê and Band. Aug. 13: Island Jam. Aug. 20: Barynya. Aug. 27: British Invasion.

Atlantic City Free Public Library’s Bartram Beach Block Concert Series. Free series featuring popular local artists Fridays at 7pm at Bartram Place and the Boardwalk. June 27: Cason and Friends Jazz Ensemble. July 11: Tony DeLuca and the Paisans. July 25: Gina Roché. Aug. 8: 40-Year Overnight Success Tour starring Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All Star Band. Aug. 22: Bud Noble Trio.

Beach Bar bands and DJs. Bally’s Bikini Beach Bar, Bar Anticipation at Trump Plaza, Margaritaville’s LandShark Bar & Grill at Resorts, HQ Beach Club & Cabanas at Revel will all feature live bands and DJs throughout the summer.

Pipe organ concerts. Daily free concerts on Boardwalk Hall’s Midmer-Losh Pipe Organ, followed by a meet-and-greet with the organist, Dr. Steven Ball, and a free guided half-hour tour of the historic and world-renowned organ.

22nd annual Somers Point Beach Concert Series. 7pm Fridays at the William Morrow Beach on Bay Avenue in Somers Point. June 13: Curtis Salgado and his band. June 20: Big Easy with John “Papa Gros Funk” and Raw Oyster Cult. June 27: Commander Cody Band. July 3: Special Holiday Show with the Dr. Bobby Fingers All-Star Supergroup. July 4: The Jeremiah Hunter Band. July 11: The Billy Walton Band. July 18: All-Star Shootout: Mark Hummel vs. Johnny Sansone on harmonica, Little Charlie” Beatty vs. Anson Funderberg on guitar. July 25: The Music That Made Tony Mart’s Famous performed by Bobby Campanell, Dr. Bobby Fingers, Danny Eyer, Howard Isaacson Ernie Trionfo, Rich Kurtz & Jimmy “Old School” Glenn. Aug. 1: Roomful Of Blues. Aug. 8: The Dan Burke Band. Aug. 8: Southern Hospitality. Aug. 22: Howard Isaacson Band with special guest Roseann ‘Rosie’ O’Reilly Gazzara. Aug. 29: Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience. Sept. 5: The Hawkins Road Band.

*********

2014 REGIONAL BEACH INFO

Atlantic City. Free – no beach tags required. Surfing: Crystal Beach on New Hampshire Ave., Delaware Ave. Beach, Downtown Beach on Raleigh Ave. No lifeguards. Kayaking & windsurfing: Jackson Ave. No lifeguards, no bathing zone, bring your own equipment. Volleyball: Nets available at the Boardwalk and New Jersey Ave. between Revel and Showboat. Fishing: Inlet off of the Boardwalk, jetties along Oriental/Maine Ave. Boardwalk fishing not allowed in bathing areas when lifeguards are on duty (10am-6pm). Metal detectors permitted on beach at all times. Boardwalk bike riding: 6:30-10am. Rentals on the Boardwalk: B&K Bicycle Rentals, Inc. 344-8008. Dogs on the beach: Not permitted during summer season. Vehicles: Not permitted. No ball playing, frisbees or alcoholic beverages.

Brigantine. Tags: seasonal $18; weekly $14; daily $8. Over 65 free. 266-2891. Surfing: 12th St. North, 10th St. South, North of South End Jetty, South of the Sandy Lane bathing area. Kayaking & windsurfing: North-end beaches (North of 15th St. N.), Absecon Inlet beaches, between Sandy Lane and Seaside Rd. lifeguard station, City Dock area. Volleyball: Nets located at 38th Street. Fishing: North of 14th St. North, 45th - 47th Sts., 49th St. (area north of Seaside Rd.), South of Jetty (Absecon Inlet), Brigantine Foot Bridge (base of bridge). Metal detectors permitted on beach at all times. Dogs on the beach: Dogs only allowed on the North-End Beaches (14th St. North and above), with leash, not longer than 6 ft. Dog feces must be removed. Vehicles: 4-Wheel Drive permits ($175, $85 for 60 and over) purchased at Beach Fee Office. Boat ramp is located at 5th St. South and Bayshore Ave.

Margate. Tags: seasonal $15; weekly $10; no daily tag. 12 and over need tags. No badge needed on Thursdays. Also good in Ventnor. 822-2605. Surfing: Allowed at Quincy Ave, Iroquois Ave, Essex Ave. and Brunswick Ave. Contact Beach Patrol (822-2370) for more information. Kayaking & windsurfing: Allowed at Quincy Ave, Iroquois Ave, Essex Ave, and Brunswick Ave. Contact Beach Patrol (822-2370) for more information. Volleyball: Located at Claremont & Huntington aves. Fishing allowed before and after beach hours (10am-6pm). Metal detectors permitted on beach at all times. Dogs and vehicles not permitted. Tennis courts at Jerome Avenue. Hobie Cat sailing by permit only.

Ocean City. Tags: seasonal $25; weekly $10; daily $5. 12 and older need tags. 399-6111. Surfing: Waverly, 7th Street and 16th Street beaches. Kayaking & windsurfing: 122nd to 126th only. Catamarans are permitted as well. Volleyball: Nets located at 87th Street and 106th Street. Fishing: Surf fishing allowed within 20 feet of jetties. Fishing pier located at 83rd & Bay. Metal detectors permitted on beach at all times. Dogs allowed daily from 7pm to sunset on the beach between 80th-122nd streets, through Sept. 30. Vehicles not permitted during summer season. Tennis courts at 96th & 82nd sts. Boat ramps at 80th St. Marina. Surf chairs available at 96th & Beach.

Ventnor. Tags: seasonal and weeekly $15; no daily tag. 12 and over need tags. Also good in Margate. 823-7950. Surfing: Next to fishing pier on Cornwall Avenue. Only permitted during daylight hours. Kayaking permitted at Princeton Avenue and Surrey Avenue. Volleyball: Nets located at Cambridge Avenue and Somerset Avenue. Fishing pier located at Cambridge Avenue. Metal detectors permitted on beach at all times. Boardwalk bike riding: 6am-noon and 5-7pm daily during summer months. Dogs not permitted on beach or boardwalk during summer months. Vehicles not permitted. Tennis courts at S. Suffolk and Atlantic aves. Sailboats can be registered at Hobie Cat Beach on Somerset Ave.

********

TWENTY SAND SCULPTORS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE BACK TO CREATE INCREDIBLE WORKS OF ART — AND COMPETE FOR PRIZE MONEY — By Ray Schweibert

Last year the Atlantic City Alliance helped bring the World Championship of Sand Sculpting to Atlantic City’s beaches, where sand artistry can trace its earliest roots back to the late 1800s.

The worldwide competition dates back to the 1980s but has only been held in the United States three times, with this summer’s return to A.C. — a return hinged on an estimated count of about 130,000 spectators over 17 days last summer — marking the fourth.

“Sand sculpting returned home to its original roots in spectacular fashion, with over 130,000 people coming to see the competition in 2013,” says ACA president Liza Cartmell. “Sixty six percent of visitors surveyed said they traveled to Atlantic City specifically for the competition. The free event was designed to drive midweek, weekend and early-season visits while showcasing Atlantic City’s beautiful free beaches — and it did just that.”

Participants represented 13 nations in 2013, and many return to compete in head-to-head solo and doubles competitions. Winners complete largely for global bragging rights, but the event also doles out the most lucrative prizes in the world of sand sculpting. The solo competitors will be carving sculptures from June 19-22, while the doubles teams will be carving from June 24-27.

Over 500 tons of fine-grade sand has been trucked in specially for the event (New Jersey’s sand does not retain water well enough), and each sculptor has 25 hours to complete a work. Sculptors spray a “windscreen” on the sand while they work — made of 10 parts water to one part biodegradable adhesive — to preserve it from the elements. The solution allows the artists to build higher and more detailed pieces, but no bonding agents are used to hold the sand together.

This year’s sand-sculpting event starts at noon Thursday, June 19, and runs through the holiday weekend to Sunday, July 6. The viewing hours on the beach have been extended to 9am-9pm every day, and the site has been moved further north, adjacent to the Steel Pier and the LandShark Bar & Grill. An awards ceremony is scheduled for 6pm Friday, June 27. This year’s event will also include the inaugural McCord Cup, named after sand-sculpting pioneer Philip McCord who practiced his art, starting in the late 1800s, at the same Atlantic City beach where the competition is taking place this year.

Event director, Atlantic City resident and professional sand sculptor John Gowdy recruited the world’s top sculptors for the event, and also assembled a panel of inveterate sand-sculpting judges. A demo sculpture by Gowdy will be on display throughout the duration of the event that can be seen from the Boardwalk.

Also new this year, Cheekoting, a game of racing plastic marble-like balls on a sand course (developed on Italy’s beaches after World War II) will be played on site near the LandShark, marking the first time the game has been played before a United States audience. The course is like a mini-golf course built in sand, with hills, valleys and tunnels. Competitors flick their plastic marbles along a long and winding track about a foot wide, with banked sides to keep the balls in the track.

********

THREE MONTHS OF AWESOME

FROM LADY GAGA TO MICHAEL BUBLE TO THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL, IT’S A FULL SUMMER CALENDAR OF SHORE FUN. — Compiled by Lori Hoffman and Amanda Auble

JUNE

JUNE 13

Second Fridays @ The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton College. 5-8pm; free. Shopping, live music, refreshments and gallery openings. artsgarageac.com.

JUNE 16

National Marbles Tournament,

Ringer Stadium, Wildwood. he official national 91st anniversary competition in the sport of marbles for boys and girls ages 8-14 that have qualified by winning local tournaments throughout the United States. Continues through June 19, 8am-noon daily. Free to spectators. 304.337.2764. nationalmarblestournament.org.

JUNE 19

Chefs at the Shore, Historic Gardner’s Basin, Atlantic City. 5:30-9pm; $60. Fundraiser featuring cooking demonstrations, tastings of chef-crafted recipes and musical entertainment. 348-3880.

DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup, Atlantic City Beach at Pennsylvania Ave. Daily 9am-9pm; free. Twenty sand sculptors from across the globe will compete in head-to-head singles and doubles competitions for global bragging rights. Continues through July 6. worldchampionshipofsandsculpting.com.

JUNE 20

“The Golden Girls” Murder Mystery, Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Atlantic City. 7pm. $70 per person. Three-course dinner with Sophia, Blanche, Rose, and Dorothy, 340-6555.

Atlantic City Off Shore Grand Prix, Farley’s State Marina, Atlantic City. Times vary; free. Water and land races include Atlantic City Poker Run, Wounded Warrior Powerboat Rides, Wounded Warrior Car show and Atlantic City Offshore Grand Prix. Continues through June 22. 1-848-210-6253.

JUNE 21

Landshark Beach Bash. Landshark Beach at Resorts, Atlantic City. 12pm; $25. A celebration to kick off the official start of summer. 431-4100.

JUNE 22

O.C. Pops Opening Night with Bobby Rydell, Ocean City Music Pier, 7:30pm. $25, $30. ocnj.us/boxoffice.

JUNE 23

July Jubilee, Ocean City Music Pier. A fun filled week of contests including Taffy Sculpting and French Fry Sculpting. Prizes awarded, contests begin at 11am daily. 525-9300.

JUNE 26

Yakoff Smirnoff, Trump Taj Mahal, 3:30pm. $45.15.

Brass Transit, Harrah’s Resort, 9pm, $24.99.

JUNE 27

Avril Lavigne, Borgata, 8pm.

The Isley Brothers, Harrah’s Resort, 8pm, $65, $105.

JUNE 28

Lady Gaga, Boardwalk Hall, 8pm, $49.50-$225.

Counting Crows, Borgata, 7:30pm, $50, $60.

Cast of ‘Impractical Jokers,’ Borgata, 7 & 10:30pm, $45, $49, $95.

Air Supply, Resorts, 8pm, $45, $50, $60.

Bob Newhart, Harrah’s Resort, 9pm, $39, $49, $59.

Theresa Caputo, Tropicana, 3pm; Also Sun. June 29, $86.32-$121.22.

AC Caribbean Beach Festival, Resorts, 12pm; General Admission $50, VIP $75, VVIP $100. Celebrating Caribean culture with a children’s fashion show, a Fashion Showcase and a Caribbean Concert. 335-6170.

Beachstock 2014, Beach at Granville & Huntington Aves., Margate. 8am-10pm; free. Beach party. 214-8293.

Hometown Celebration, Lenape Park, Mays Landing. 9am; free. Activities include a water slide, train ride, food and entertainment. 909-9028. Continues through June 29.

JUNE 29

2014 Challenge Atlantic City Health & Fitness Expo. Expo at Bally’s; racing event in various locations. 6am; Registration online. Individuals $575, Relays $625, Aqua Bike $350. challengeatlanticcity.com.

JULY

JULY 2

The Jacksons, Caesars, 9pm, $35; $45; $65. Continues to July 6.

JULY 3

Nearly Nicks & Friends, Claridge, 9:30pm, $40, $50, $60. Continues to July 6.

Magic! Revel, 8pm, $32.75, $42.75.

JULY 4

4th of July Fireworks, Over the ocean off A.C. Beach. Starts at dusk; free. www.atlanticcitynj.com.

Fourth of July Celebration, Ocean City Boardwalk. Kite flying competition at 7pm followed by entertainment. At 9:30pm fireworks display. Free. 525-9300.

Fourth of July Fireworks, on the Beach at Pine Ave., Wildwood. Special holiday fireworks extravaganza. 10pm; free.

JULY 5

Kevin James, Borgata, 7 & 10:30pm, $45, $49, $95.

Burton Cummings, Tropicana, 8pm, $30, $40, $60.

The Voice Tour, Trump Taj Mahal, 7:30pm, $33, $43, $53.

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo w/Rick Springfield, Revel, 8pm, $61.25, $125.

The A’s, Revel, 8pm, $35, $75.

Colin Jost, Resorts, 8pm, $38.75-$44.25.

JULY 6

Peter Frampton, Harrah’s Resort, 8pm. $59, $79, $89.

John Mellencamp, Borgata, 8pm, $75-$300.

JULY 11

Dennis Miller, Borgata, 9pm, $49.50, $59.50.

Boston, Caesars, 9pm, $65-$125.

Sublime with Rome, Revel, 8pm, $35, $45, $55.

Dana Carvey, Tropicana, 9pm, $49, $59, $69.

Huey Lewis & the News, Showboat/House of Blues, 9pm, $49-$79.

AHRMA: Vintage Motorcycle Festival, NJ Motorsports Park, Millville. Times TBA; $25 & $40. Kids 12 and under are free. 856-327-8000.

JULY 12

Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale, Golden Nugget, 9pm, $45, $150.

Crosby, Stills & Nash, Borgata, 8pm, $66-$215.

Gary Clark, Jr., Borgata, 9pm, $59.50, $69.50.

Michael Bublé, Boardwalk Hall, 8pm, $59.50-$110.

TLC, Showboat/House of Blues, 9pm, $5, $65.

Herman’s Hermits w/Peter Noone, Resorts, 8pm, $30, $35, $45.

Barstool Blackout Tour, Atlantic City Convention Center. World’s Largest Foam Party. 9:30pm, $39. atlanticcitynj.com.

JULY 13

Jeff Dunham, Borgata, 4 & 8pm. Sold out.

JULY 16

UFC Fight Night, Revel, 7pm, $60-$400.

JULY 17

Keith Urban, Borgata, 8pm, $125, $140.

JULY 18

John Hiatt & The Combo and Robert Cray Band, Borgata, 9pm, $45, $49.50.

Toni Braxton & Babyface, Borgata, 8pm, $49-$79.

Steel Magnolias, Dante Hall,

Atlantic City. Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm. $7-$18. Continues through July 27.

Friars Club Comics, Stewie Stone, Dick Capri & Cory Kahaney, Golden Nugget, 9pm, $29, $39. Also July 19.

JULY 19

John Fogerty, Borgata, 8pm, $49-$300.

Jim Jefferies, Borgata, 9pm, $35, $39.50.

Anthony Anderson, Showboat/House of Blues, 9pm, $29, $39.

Atlantic City Carnival Caribbean Parade, Atlantic City Boardwalk. Begins at Revel Casino. 12pm, free. 215-767-2824.

Color Vibe 5K Fun Run, Atlantic City Race Course, Mays Landing. 8am; registration starts at $40. 435-554-0134.

Champions Cup Series, NJ Motorsports Park, Millville.

Times, TBA. Also on July 20. $15, $25. Kids 12 and under are free.

Concerts under the Stars Series w/The Dovells, Lou Booth Amphitheatre, North Wildwood. 8pm; free. 522-7722, 800-882-7787.

JULY 20

moe., Showboat/House of Blues, 9pm, $22, $32.

The Wayans Brothers, Borgata, 8pm, $49, $59, $69.

JULY 21

The Letterman, Performing Arts Center at Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Mays Landing. 8pm; $35. 652-9000.

The Bacon Brothers, Ocean City Music Pier. $35; 7:30pm. 525-9300.

JULY 25

Darius Rucker, Borgata, 8pm, $49.50, $59.50.

Art Garfunkel, Borgata, 9pm, $35, $45.

Christina Perri, Revel, 9pm, $29, $49.

Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival, Caesars, Bally’s, Atlantic City. With Robert Irvine, Martha Stewart, Marcus Samuelsson. Various events and times; continues through July 27. Prices vary per event $75-$175.

JULY 26

George Lopez, Borgata, 8pm, $55, $65, $85.

Queen, Adam Lambert, Boardwalk Hall, 8pm, $39.50-$149.50.

The Fray, Borgata, 9pm, $79-$225.

The Duprees and Friends, Trump Taj Mahal, 8pm, $45, $55.

Under the Sun Tour w/ Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, Blues Traveler and Uncle Kracker, Trump Taj Mahal, 7pm, $19, $29.

Night in Venice, Ocean City’s annual decorated boat parade. Starts at approx. 6:30pm from the Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave. along the bay. Free. 525-9300.

JULY 27

US Army Field Band, Levoy Theatre, Millville. 2pm; Free to the public but seating is limited and must be reserved in advance. Limit four tickets per household. 856-327-6400.

JULY 28

Micky Dolenz, Performing Arts Center at Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Mays Landing. 8pm; $35. 652-9000.

JULY 29

Dark Star Orchestra, Revel, 8pm, $25, $35.

JULY 30

Children’s Summer Playhouse: The Berenstain Bears, Stockton Performing Arts Center, Galloway. 10:30am, $10. 652-9000.

JULY 31

Free Blake Shelton Concert, AC Beach at Arkansas Ave. 6pm; free, but must have ticket from Ticketmaster.

AUGUST

AUG. 1

Danielle Bradbery, Resorts, 9pm, $30, $35, $40.

Sammy Hagar w/Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham & Vic Anthony, Borgata, 8pm, $65, $75.

Straight No Chaser, Harrah’s Resort. Fri. 9pm; Sat. 3 & 9pm; Sun. 8pm; Tues.-Thurs. 8pm. Sat. Aug. 9, 9pm. $35, $45, $65. Continues thru Aug. 12.

Lewis Black, Borgata, 9pm, $75, $85. Also on Aug. 2.

52nd Annual Boardwalk Art Show, along Ocean City boardwalk. Continues through Aug. 3. Fri., Sat. 10am–6pm; Sun. 10am- 4pm. 525-9310.

AUG. 2

Kiss, Def Leppard, Boardwalk Hall, 7pm, $35-$149.50.

Dom Irrera, Tropicana, 8pm, $30, $39.50, $49.50.

Jerry Seinfeld, Borgata, 8pm, $95-$155.

AUG. 3

Free Lady Antebellum Concert, AC Beach at Arkansas Ave. 6pm; free, but tix required.

Lionel Richie, Borgata, 8pm, $95-$655.

AUG. 4

Dickey Betts & Great Southern, Performing Arts Center at Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Mays Landing. 8pm; $35. 652-9000.

AUG. 6

Children’s Summer Playhouse: Stuart Little, Stockton Performing Arts Center, Galloway. 10:30am, $10. 652-9000.

AUG. 8

Andrew Dice Clay, Golden Nugget, 9pm, $29, $49.

Human Nature, Borgata, 9pm, $39. Continues Aug. 9-10, Aug. 15.

Donny & Marie, Caesars. Fri.-Sun., Tues.-Thurs. 8pm, $45, $65-$85. Continues through Aug. 21.

The King & I, Levoy Theatre, Millville. Continues through Aug. 17. Fri., Sat. 8pm; Sun. 3pm; Thurs. 7:30pm ($12). $17, $20. 856-327-6400.

AUG. 9

Bobby Vinton, Golden Nugget, 9pm, $35, $55.

24 Hours of LeMons: There Goes The Neighborhood, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville. Times, TBA. $15, $20 & $35. Continues through Aug. 10

AUG. 10

Josh Turner, Showboat/House of Blues, 8pm, $40, $50.

AUG. 11

4th Annual Atlantic City

Salutes America’s Armed Forces Parade, Atlantic City Boardwalk. 6pm; free.

The Indigo Girls, Ocean City Music Pier, 7:30pm, $37. American folk rock music duo consisting of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers.

AUG. 13

Thunder Over The Boardwalk - Atlantic City Air Show, over Atlantic City Beach. The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return this year. 11am; Free. 1-888-228-4748.

AUG. 14

105th Annual Baby Parade, on the Ocean City Boardwalk, 6th– 12th Sts. One of the oldest baby parades in the country. Time: TBA; free. 525-9300.

AUG. 16

K.C. & The Sunshine Band, Tropicana, 8pm, $35-$75.

Jim Gaffigan, Borgata, 7 & 10pm, $45, $49.50.

David Nail, Resorts, 9pm, $30, $35, $40.

Jennifer Nettles, Harrah’s Resort, 9pm, $55, $95.

AC Ballet Presents Sleeping Beauty, Claridge Hotel, Atlantic City. 2pm; . 348-7201

AUG. 17

An Evening of Motown w/The

Four Tops, Martha Reeves & The Vandallas, Mary Wilson, Jr. Walker’s All Star Band, Borgata, 7pm, $65, $75, $85.

AUG. 20-24

Cirque du Soleil Varekai, Boardwalk Hall. Wed.-Fri. 7:30pm; Sat. 4 & 7:30pm; Sun. 1:30 & 5pm. $35-$145.

AUG. 22

Chicago, REO Speedwagon, Borgata, 8pm, Sold out.

Howie Mandel, Borgata, 9pm, $69, $79.

AUG. 23

Credence Clearwater Revisited, Tropicana, 8pm, $49.50, $55.

Sarah Brightman, Revel, 8pm, $95-$200.

Rod Stewart, Trump Taj Mahal, 8pm, $85-$275.

Artie Lange, Borgata, 9pm, $49.50, $69.50.

Chris Tucker, Borgata, 8pm, $59, $69, $79.

Chickie’s and Pete’s Boardwalk Run 5K, Boardwalk at Tropicana, A.C.. Live music & beach party at the finish line. 8am; Registration fees starting at $40.

AUG. 24

Alan Jackson, Caesars, 9pm, $75, $135.

AUG. 29

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave, Borgata, 9pm, $29.50, $35.

The Oak Ridge Boys, Golden Nugget, 9pm, $29.95, $45.50.

AUG. 30

Aaron Lewis, Golden Nugget, 9pm, $55, $70.

Prince Royce, Revel, 8pm, $58-$98.

Train, Borgata, 8pm, $75, $85.

Demetri Martin, Borgata, 9pm, $45.

AUG. 31

Aerosmith, Slash, Boardwalk Hall, 7:30pm, $59.50-$195.

The Neighbourhood, Borgata, 9pm, $29.50, $32.50.

Gabriel Iglesias, Borgata, 8pm, $55, $65, $85.

Scott Weiland, Golden Nugget, 9pm, $19, $39.

REVUES

NOW to OCT. 9

‘The Burlesque Show’ (Thursdays), Borgata, 9pm, $25.

NOW to AUG. 30

Cat’s Pajamas, Resorts. Sun.-Thurs. 8pm; some Wed. 3:30pm, some Fri. 8pm. $25.

JUNE 24 to SEPT. 20 Beatlemania Now Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Beatles, Trump Plaza. Tues.-Sat. 8pm, $30, $48.

JUNE 30 to AUG. 29

Magique w/Kevin & Caruso, Tropicana. Sun. 7; Mon., Tues. 3:30 & 7pm; Some Fri. 9pm; some Sat. 8pm. $25, $35.

JULY 1 to AUG. 31

Magic of Rob Lake, Trump Taj Mahal. Tues.-Thurs., Sat.-Sun. 8pm. Fri. July 4, 10:15pm. $29.

JULY 4 to JULY 13

Gordie Brown, Golden Nugget. Wed.-Sun. 8pm, $19.95, $29.95.

JULY 9 to JULY 27

Le Noir: The Dark Side of Cirque, Harrah’s Resort. Tues. 8pm; Wed. 3 & 8pm; Thurs., Fri, 8pm; Sat. 3 & 8pm; Sun. 8pm, $40, $55, $70.

ONGOING

• Movies Under the Stars, Brighton Park, A.C. Sundays at dusk; family friendly. Free. July 13, Annie; July 20, Up; July 27, Despicable Me 2; Aug. 3, The Lego Movie; Aug. 10, All is Lost;

Aug. 17, Hunger Games–Catching Fire; Aug 24., Ratatouille; Aug. 31, Frozen. 344-8338.

Movies Under the Stars, Gardner’s Basin, A.C. Mondays at dusk; family friendly. Free. July 14, Grown Ups 2; July 21, Iron Man 3; July 28, After Earth; Aug. 4, Ride Along; Aug. 11, Captain Phillips; Aug. 18. Man of Steel;

Aug. 25, Hunger Games–Catching Fire. 344-8338.

• Movies Under the Stars, Bartram Place & the Beach. Fridays July 11 to Aug. 29. Movies start at dusk. Free. Movies include Sammy 2, Despicable Me 2, Muppets Most Wanted, The Nut Job, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Tad, The Explorer, Monsters University and Frozen. 344-8338.

• Saturday Night Free Concerts, Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City, June 21 to Aug. 30. 8-11pm; Free. Performances by To The Max, The Exceptions, Screaming Broccoli, Left Lucy, B-Street Band, Slippery Band and 5 Believers. 1-888-228-4748.

• Sunday Night Free Concerts, Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City. 8-11pm; free. June 22 to Aug. 31. Performances by Lefty Lucy, The Jost Project, Slippery Band and Eddie Bruce. 1-888-228-4748.

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

By JARED AXELROD — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 13:44:27 PDT

BIZARRE AC II BRINGS REAL HORROR-SHOW FUN TO THE TROPICANA

We all know that Atlantic City can be a horror show sometimes, but the fine folks behind Bizarre AC II are working hard to bring a real horror show to our seaside city, o my brothers, sisters and only friends.

Last winter’s extra-scary extravaganza was potent brew indeed, but the sequel, coming to the Tropicana Casino and Resort over the weekend of June 13-15, promises to be bigger, better and bloodier than its predecessor. There’ll be film screenings with creators and stars in attendance; a Bizarre Bazaar full of movies, toys, clothing and one-of-a-kind artwork; and a host of special guests. Strikingly, there’s also going to be a roving group of gruesome, groovy ghoulies interacting with the people on the con floor. Anyone can watch a horror movie; Bizarre AC wants to put you in one!

As for those special guests: show producer Jon Henderson has pulled off the peculiar hat-trick of bringing in not one, not two, not three, but four of the Cenobites from the classic Hellraiser film series — including the main man himself, Doug “Pinhead” Bradley. Bradley would be guest enough — he’s a film geek from way back, and gives great talks — but Bizarre AC pairs him with not just his fellow other-dimensional tortuous beings, but also Ashley Laurence, who played Kristy Cotton in the series. You remember her — she’s the one who cheated her way out of hell. Three times. You’d think Pinhead and Co. would have learned after the first two.

Few films in recent memory have gained the instant notoriety of Tom Mix’s Human Centipede. If you ever wanted to ask the actors what it was like being strapped together mouth to anus, here’s your chance: Bizarre AC presents all three of the original centipede victims, Ashley C. Williams, Ashlynn Yennie and Akihiro Kitamura. Yes, you can finally get up close to these actors famous for getting much too close to each other.

Perhaps the most intriguing guest is Miss Megan Hendricks, of Miss Megan’s “Lil” Pet Shop of Horrors. The enterprising pre-teen artisan has been crafting macabre and mutilated stuffed animals for years; at Bizarre AC, she’s scheduled to run her own “Monster Lab” workshop. While kids Miss Megan’s age are no strangers to horror cons, there’s usually no actual programming designed with them in mind; her presence and workshop is welcome acknowledgement of the up-and-coming generation of horror fans. Hook ‘em while they’re young, as my old man used to say. (‘Course, he would use an actual bloody hook...) Also note: Miss Megan donates all the sales of her Hannibal Lecter Hello Kitties and her zombie Tiggers to charity; the group Martial Artists Against Bullying will be the recipient of all her sales this weekend.

To top all of this off, strangely enough, Corey Feldman’s band will be performing. Yes, Corey Feldman has a band. He’ll also, of course, be participating in Bizarre AC’s The Lost Boys event, joined by fellow Frog Brother Jamison Newlander and vampire-gang members Brooke McCarter, Billy Wirth and Chance Corbitt. But the main draw appears to be Feldman laying down tracks from his new album Angelic 2 the Core. Yes, Corey Feldman has a new album. Yes, it really is called Angelic 2 the Core.

And if that doesn’t frighten you, I’m not sure what will.

BIZARRE AC II

June 13–15. Tropicana Casiono and Resort, A.C.

Friday: 5–11pm. Saturday: noon–10pm. Sunday: 11am–5pm. Advance tickets: $50/weekend, $20/day. At the door: $25/day. bizarreac.com

NOBODY'S PUPPET

By Ed Condran — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 08:05:21 PDT

TERRY FATOR TURNS VENTRILOQUISM INTO $100 MILLION WORTH OF IRRESISTIBLE.

"The reputation of ventriloquists isn’t good,” Terry Fator admits. “But that doesn’t matter, since people flock to see us. They love us.” Well — they do if you’re one of two specific ventriloquists. Veteran puppet master Jeff Dunham normally tops Forbes’ list of most profitable comedians. And Fator himself, typically, is in the top five on that list.

What’s that about?

Fator, 48, is a master ventriloquist when it comes to singing. Curiously, he can’t keep his lips closed while speaking, but when he belts out songs: no problem. “Who else can do singing impressions and keep their lips sealed?” he points out to Atlantic City Weekly via phone from his Las Vegas home. “A good way to make a great living is to do something no one else can do.”

Indeed: Fator, who delivers spot-on Michael Jackson, Cher and Louis Armstrong impressions, and who’ll perform Saturday at Caesars Atlantic City, is so good at what he does that he has a $100 million contract in Vegas. “I’ve been very fortunate,” Fator said. “My life is unbelievable.”

The performer strives to be funny — but his first order of business is nailing the impression. “I’m all about sounding exactly like that person,” he says. “Nothing less will do. I love it when I look out in the audience and the people are simply amazed at how much the puppets sound like the original recording.”

The laid-back ventriloquist made a name for himself in 2007 on America’s Got Talent, which continues to name-drop him and detail his success seven years later. “I have no problem with that,” Fator says. “I wouldn’t be here without that show. But you have to work really hard after the show gives you that exposure... One of the greatest things I’ve heard is that Simon Cowell said I’m the most successful reality show contestant in history. He said that I’m more successful than all of the American Idol winners combined.”

Well, none of those performers are ventriloquists. So let’s go back to the original question: Why are Fator and Dunham so successful? “It’s because we’re not just standard ventriloquists,” Fator says. “We’re not your grandfather’s ventriloquist. Look at Jeff and his puppet ‘Ahmed the Dead Terrorist.’ He took something terrible, something incredibly negative, and made it into something funny. He and I are moving forward and stretching the boundaries. I want to keep on pushing the envelope.”

TERRY FATOR

Saturday, June 7. 9pm. Caesars Circus Maximus Theater,

2100 Pacific Avenue, A.C. Tickets $55, $65 and $75.

For more information, call 609-343-2418